Orange Sticky Tofu

Craft a flavor explosion with this easy weeknight recipe for crispy orange tofu! Tender tofu cubes are marinated, baked to perfection, and then coated in a sticky, citrusy orange sauce. It's all about the contrasts here - the crispy tofu against the glossy sauce, the sweet orange balanced by the savory tamari or soy sauce. Plus, you can adjust the amount of orange zest to customize the tang to your liking. Serve this over rice or noodles for a satisfying and colorful meal that's ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

1 package of firm tofu, 16 oz (453 g)

1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version)

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 clove of garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 orange

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (for dusting)

1 teaspoon arrowroot powder (for the sauce)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

When preparing the tofu, you have two options: use it as is, pat dry and cubed, or opt for a texture-enhancing technique by freezing a block of tofu, thawing it, and then incorporating it into the recipe, as demonstrated in the video. Freezing not only adds texture but also allows the tofu to absorb the marinade more effectively.

In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, pure maple syrup, olive oil, minced ginger, minced garlic and orange zest & juice. Add the tofu to the marinade, ensuring it's well-coated, and let it marinate for at least an hour or preferably overnight.

Once marinated, strain the tofu, reserving the marinade for the sauce. Place the tofu in a bowl and dust it with arrowroot powder, ensuring an even coating.

Arrange the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.

While the tofu is baking, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with a teaspoon of arrowroot powder. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Once the tofu is golden and crisp, pour the thickened sauce over it and serve over brown rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor, and enjoy this delightful dish!